ἅλς (hals)
hals
salt
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hals refers to salt, specifically appearing in Mark 9:49 where Jesus speaks of being "salted with fire." This variant form is a less common spelling for the standard Greek word hals (ἅλας), which appears far more frequently in the New Testament. Its singular occurrence in this verse links the physical substance to the purifying or preserving action of fire, creating a unique image of judgment and purification.
While most references to salt in Scripture use the regular form, this variant highlights the material reality of the metaphor without adding new semantic weight. Translators consistently render it as "salt," maintaining the connection to preservation and covenant loyalty found elsewhere in biblical literature. The choice of this specific spelling in Mark’s text may reflect oral tradition or manuscript variation rather than a distinct theological nuance.
This rare form serves as a reminder of the textual diversity within the Greek New Testament. Despite its limited appearance, it reinforces the consistent biblical theme of salt as a symbol of enduring value and spiritual integrity, anchoring Jesus’ teaching in tangible, everyday experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἅλς appears just once in the New Testament, found in Mark 9:49 where Jesus speaks of being "salted with fire." This rare spelling connects the physical substance of salt to the purifying action of fire. In ancient times, salt was essential for preserving food and seasoning meals. Here, it points to a spiritual reality where trials refine our character, removing what is impure.
Understanding this image helps us see suffering not as random pain, but as a process that strengthens our faith. Just as salt preserves meat from decay, the fire of experience can preserve our integrity when we trust in God. This verse reminds us that even difficult seasons have purpose, shaping us into people who reflect Christ’s steadfast love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with salt1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁλὶ1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 9:49
For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.
This unique spelling links the physical substance of salt directly to the purifying action of fire, emphasizing judgment and spiritual refinement rather than just preservation.